Archive for January, 2010
Choosing Outdoor Furniture

Outdoor furniture used to just be wooden picnic tables and lawn chairs. But those purely-functional pieces have given way to a more “decorated” look. Many people frequently entertain guests outside, and as such, view it as an extension of the living space. The furniture must be a little higher-quality. When choosing your outdoor furniture, there are some things to keep in mind:
~Will you be serving dinner outside, or just drinks and snacks? The former would require a larger setting with a full table, while the a few chairs and small tables would be appropriate for the later.
~This will dictate how many pieces you can put outside, and what style to use. A bigger space can use substantial, sturdy furniture, while a smaller place would be more suited to dainty pieces.
~A lot of factors go into this question; what sort of climate do you live in? Do you have children? If you live in a wet area, and will have children clambering over it, a durable material is recommended. No matter where you live, wrought iron patio furniture is always a safe bet.
Every Day We Find New Uses for Antiques

Antique wooden ladders are a great way to go GREEN. Every day we get orders from our customers needing a wood ladder to recycle to display the things they love. No need to cut a new tree. These ladders are from the middle 1900’s and their worn surface shows the history of times past.
The primitive aged look is the very reason that they are so popular now.
Victorian Styles are Still in Fashion

Picture this great wrought iron patio set in you outdoor living space. Garden benches are always in fashion. Taking time to slow down and relax in life is good for your health.
Think about choosing a different color or adding some cushions for a brighter look. This welded steel love seat and chairs will cozy up your area and last for decades.
Spice Up Your Garden or Backyard
If you’ve found that your garden or backyard is a bit on the bare side, you may want to consider purchasing a few accent pieces to really give it some character. The addition of garden decor will greatly improve your garden.
The wise placement of a birdhouse or a decorative garden statue will make your garden area come alive with personality. In doing this, you’re creating an atmosphere not only of beautiful flowers, but also of a homey feeling. In no time, you’ll be hosting tea parties, barbecues and any other excuse your friends and family will have to spend time in your backyard.
Steel Fencing will Last
This style of rod iron fencing is solid steel and will be useful for generations. You can not say that about most products made today and this wrought iron fence is made right here in middle Illinois.
The 4 foot style shown here works well with there antique home. We carry it in 3 foot and 5 foot heights also.

Country Antiques Make Rustic Home Decor
Check out these great original blue wooden shutters. We just decorated our lake house and hung a pair on the wall for unique rustic home decor.
They have curved tops that would have fit the late 1800 windows that they were removed from. That home is long gone but these were saved and stored in the barn.
A Simple Ladder can Make the Difference





Just a simple wooden ladder can make displaying your treasured items easy. We are constantly surprised at the new ways to use an old primitive wooden ladder. A ladder is the perfect solution to enhance a corner display your favorite collection.
Paint it to fit your decor or hang it horizontally on the wall. Really you can find a place to use a ladder in every room.
Not Focusing on the Weather
It is not always easy to ignore the weather especially in early January. Certainly the computer is a great distraction and ordering garden products to use when the weather decides to cooperate is a great way to get through these blistery winter days. Rustic garden decor is a fun way to plan your future outdoor living space.
Plan a secure enclosure for your children with our wrought iron fencing or a flower garden using metal arbors and unique topiaries.
Our Best Wrought Iron Arbor Gate
A wrought iron arbor for your garden can be an important investment. If you are interested in a solid steel arbor that is hand made by a craftsman right here in Illinois then this is the best choice for you. Adding a gate can secure your area to keep your children and pests safe.
We are very proud to handle the work of Don Lawless the maker of this arbor. Quality is important so you should alway buy the best.
Metal Garden Art for Style and Fun
Adding style and fun is so easy. We have just the right garden decor for your space.
This metal garden art is shaped like a trike and will also hold your planted flowers and can be painted to fit your home and patio furnishings.

